How To Answer The Most Common Interview Questions
No matter where you are interviewing, any executive recruiters will tell you that there are basic questions for which you need to prepare.
1 – Tell Me About Yourself
This is an opportunity for you to highlight your accomplishments. You can describe your best attributes and how your past experience corresponds to the position for which you are applying. Do not overthink it. Just tell them your story.
2 – Why Do You Want This Job?
Be sure that the answer is not, “because you were hiring.” They want to know that you are excited about this position because you enjoy the work or that it is suited very well to your previous experience and skill set.
3 – Why Should We Hire You?
Questions like this are opportunities. Employers want candidates that have demonstrated in the past that they are quick studies, self-motivated to learn and the willingness to put in the necessary work to be successful quickly. Provide the interviewer with examples of how you did this previously.
4 – Why Are You Leaving Your Other Job?
This should not be taken as an invitation to talk about the negative qualities of your previous employer. Be candid but positive; although I enjoyed my time with the current employer I have decided that my current position is not providing me with the growth opportunities.
5 – What Are Your Weaknesses?
Do not try to find a clever way to circumvent this question. Do not say, “I work too hard.” They want a real answer. They want to see that you can engage in introspection and honestly assess yourself. Take your time to think about the question even if you are well prepared. Provide a weakness that would not impact the interview – If you are applying for a sales position you would not say your weakness is “creating relationships” – I have identified that my one area of improvement is to improve my time management skills. I tend to react versus proactive. I recently started using a daily planner on my phone to ensure I complete the important tasks of the day.
6 – What Do You Know About The Industry?
The interviewer has strong industry knowledge, thus it would be best to demonstrate that you have a working knowledge of the industry. Be aware of their top competitors and any potential regulations or issues impacting the industry.
7 – Will You Relocate?
Large companies often have multiple locations and many different needs. An employee who is flexible about where they work and their commute will probably be looked upon more favorably than employees who do not. If you are open to relocation, telecommuting etc. be sure to bring the subject up if the question is not asked.
8 – What Is Your Five Year Plan?
Whatever the time frame that is presented be ready to provide the interviewer with a take away that you have short/mid and long terms goals even if they are not carved in stone at this point.
9 – What Do You Know About Our Company?
Do a lot of research. Know the company structure (private, public, family owned). Understand their business model, go to market strategy, mission statements and values. When you are choosing a position make sure the company aligns with your values, fit is very important.
10 – What Were The Responsibilities Of Your Previous Job?
Ensure that your resume reflects your position, responsibilities. In person, walk through each position, what your role was/is, be thorough regarding your responsibilities. This is also a chance for you to include your accomplishments.